In a rapidly changing work environment, businesses need to embrace adaptability and cultivate a strong culture of growth. Recently, we sat down with Holly, Team Leader at Leah Jay, one of the leading property management firms in Newcastle, to discuss the company’s journey, growth opportunities, and the qualities needed to thrive in today’s workforce. Holly’s experience navigating the post-COVID world of work, combined with her expertise in property management, provides valuable insights for both employers and job seekers in the property industry and beyond.
Q: Holly, could you tell us a bit about your journey at Leah Jay?
Holly: I started at Leah Jay in January 2016 in a reception role and have since worked my way through various positions in property management, from Associate to Senior Property Manager. I moved into the New Business Investment Services team, and now I’m proud to be the Team Leader for our Newcastle office. It’s been a fantastic journey with a company that has supported my growth every step of the way.
Q: Leah Jay is known for promoting from within. How important is this to your culture?
Holly: It’s crucial. From the start, I was given clear goals and support for advancing my career. Leah Jay’s commitment to internal growth means there’s a clear path for development, with regular one-on-ones, annual reviews, and goal setting. This approach ensures we stay aligned with both personal and professional aspirations while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Q: How has the workforce changed post-COVID, and what challenges or opportunities have you seen?
Holly: Post-COVID, people are less likely to stay in workplaces that don’t align with their values or offer fulfillment. We’ve seen that in our team—people are more discerning about where they work. On the positive side, this has helped us attract employees who are aligned with our culture. We’re also more attuned to the needs of our team, offering flexible work arrangements and supporting their personal and professional needs. It’s about understanding what makes our team thrive and removing barriers to success.
Q: What are the key areas of opportunity for growth within your team?
Holly: We invest in our team through programs like our scholarship initiative, which helps employees pursue further education that complements their role at Leah Jay. For example, I applied for the scholarship when I wanted to pursue my Master of Business, and the company supported me with time off for classes. It’s this kind of support that helps our people grow and feel valued.
Q: If you had to pick three attributes essential for success in your field, what would they be?
Holly: Mindset, adaptability, and resilience. Our industry can experience high turnover, but having a strong mindset, being adaptable to change, and staying resilient is key. At Leah Jay, we focus on relationships—both with our clients and within the team. It’s about managing people, not just properties, and investing in those personal connections that drive success.
If you’re looking to make your next career move or need recruitment support for your team, Alan Kinder, Senior Consultant at GWG Recruitment, is here to help. Reach out to Alan on 0249 050 130 to explore opportunities in accounting and finance.
Watch the full Q&A interview with Holly below.
